Ace Weekly

Teal and peach. Two colors you haven’t seen together since the ‘80s (and haven’t wanted to), but which are sure to surface in abundance at this years Bridesmaid Ball, a fundraiser for United Way of the Bluegrass—celebrating the tackiest, most horrendous confections Lexington’s closets have to offer. Do your pumps match your earrings? If not, dye them now.

And it’s not just for the girls—powder-blue tuxedos are encouraged for the men in attendance. Add a ruffled shirt? Sure. So much the better. Too tight? Better still? White shoes or belt? You’ll be welcomed with open arms.

The obvious question is: what POSSESSED United Way to come up with this event…. Just when the emotional scars were starting to heal from the ghosts of weddings past (to say nothing of the physical scars from all that melting polyester)?

Carrie Boling, Marketing Director, has a reasonable explanation: “Before we started planning the Bridesmaids Ball we conducted research including community surveys. It was overwhelming that women and young professionals in Central Kentucky want to be involved in the community through volunteering and fundraisers. In particular, they were looking for a fundraiser that wasn’t just a male dominated golf scramble or the same-old dinner and reception. The Bridesmaids Ball has worked for other communities tremendously and we look forward to making it a landmark event in Lexington—giving women and those in their 20s, 30s and 40s a chance to be involved.”

So if the traditional rubber-chicken dinner isn’t for you, United Way has provided an alternative.

Kara Hamilton, Committee Chair, is heartened by the community response so far. “This has been an amazing event to plan. It is the only fundraiser that I’ve ever been a part of where people are calling us to give donations, to be active on the planning committee and to be involved somehow.”

Event and Communications Coordinator Sara Jefferies sees the event as a kind of a… public service… “We’re helping to make honest women out of those brides who think their bridesmaids will get more than one use out of that hideous peach taffeta tea length gown with the puffy sleeves and butt bows. And what fella hasn’t wanted to wear a baby blue tuxedo?”

Kathy Plomin, United Way’s executive director, sees this event as a logical way to reach younger donors and volunteers who want to get involved, but often feel shut out by the traditional (some would argue: dull) black tie dinners and golf tourneys. She says, “We are really interested in targeting the younger generation that may not know about us. For us, this is more of an outreach than a fundraiser.”

This comes at an important time for the organization, as she explains, “We are in the process of transitioning from a traditional fundraiser model to a community leader and role model.”

That’s a process that’s going to require new blood.

“We realized we were missing generation X. Our main goal for this event is to reach out and connect with the young professionals and young women of this community in particular,” Plomin says. “We want to teach them about United Way and our goals and ideals.”

A good sport herself, Plomin confesses, “We’ve all been there. I’ve kept some of my bridesmaids dresses even though I never thought I’d get to wear them again. Now everyone has a chance to dig out their old dresses for one more night,” though she remained tight-lipped about her possible selection.

If you plan to go, all the organizers agree it’s best to err on the side of bad taste. Jefferies advises, “The worse, the better. It’s best if it’s tacky and doesn’t match and hurts your eyes a little.”

Plomin chimes in, “This is a great time to wear your old banana clip or put your hair in a side ponytail.”Ummmmmm. Okkkkkkk. It IS for a good cause. Just keep repeating it. Believe.

What to Wear, Where to Go
The Bridesmaids Ball will be complete with dancing, door prizes and contests such as ugliest dress and most outrageous hair to highlight the unfortunate fashion choices many of us have made, or have been made to wear over the years. This event is aimed at women and young professionals—singles and couples alike.The details:

Date: Friday, August 6

Time: 8pm-1am, after party at Bigg Blue Martini from 1am until 2:30am.

Place: Bigg Blue Martini and the Radisson’s Grand Ballroom

Entertainment: Long Duk Dong will play hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s;Elvis impersonator will welcome all guests and will play a short set; DJ to take requests; photos available, both candid and posed in front of backdrop.

Awards: most retro, most outrageious hair, ugliest dress, tackiest tuxedo. Awards include a gift certificate to Joli Salon and Day Spa and a Tuxedo rental from Geno’s Formal Wear.

Other: silent auction, special martini bars, and free wedding cake.

Tickets: $30 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Radisson Plaza Hotel, United Way of the Bluegrass or ww.uwbg.org. Special group rates are available at www.uwbg.org—$25 per person for groups of 4 or more people.

Partner businesses: The following downtown restaurants will be offering dinner discounts to Bridesmaids Ball ticket holders Friday, August 6: anna belle’s, Bellini’s, Bistro 147, Columbia steakhouse, and Metropol. Exact discounts listed at www.uwbg.org.

The following salons will be offering discounts in honor of the Bridesmaids Ball on August 6: Douglass and Associates, Ecotage at Lazarus/Macy’s, Posh, Kendall’s salon, Planet Salon and Rain Spa, Joli Salon and Day Spa, Lexington Hair Design. Exact discounts specified at www.uwbg.org.n